Many parents enjoy hot pot with their children during the winter. However, due to the large temperature difference between indoors and outdoors in cold weather, children's spleen and stomach systems are relatively delicate. Therefore, children should eat less spicy hot pot.
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that children often have an "insufficient spleen." The spleen and stomach are the foundation of acquired health, with their main function being to transport and transform nutrients, making them the source of the body's qi and blood. While children develop rapidly and have vigorous vitality, their spleen and stomach are delicate and not suited to cold, raw, or pungent stimuli. Children have weaker digestive abilities, and coupled with their tendency to overeat without self-control, they are easily harmed by their diet. It is particularly important to note that overconsumption of hot pot can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to a decline in digestive and absorption functions, and even causing symptoms such as loss of appetite and fatigue.
Children who are prone to colds or suffer from chronic bronchitis, asthma, or persistent coughing should try to avoid or completely refrain from eating spicy hot pot. Children with a weak spleen and stomach should also be cautious to prevent aggravating their condition.